We were delighted to interview current Celtic TV Pass to Paradise presenter Connie McLaughlin as we discussed different topics such as what it is like working and watching games in an empty Celtic Park, the experiences of working alongside the likes of Gordon Strachan and Connie also mentions her favourite Celtic memory as well. It was a pleasure interviewing Connie who is without doubt a top class presenter and journalist as well, so we thank Connie for taking her time to speak to us.
’THE LIFE BLOOD HAS BEEN TAKEN OUT OF THE GAME’
Connie, who has presented the Celtic TV Pass to Paradise in the second half of this season is one of very few people who has truly experienced what it is like to watch games in an empty Celtic Park, so we were intrigued to find what It feels like watching a game at Parkhead without the presence of the famous 60,000 supporters, Connie’s response was one of interest: “It’s not the same without fans, it’s like the life blood has been taken out of the game. I feel so privileged to be able to still go to games when I know there are thousands of people who would love to be there. I can’t wait to feel the energy again at a full Celtic park. It’s been missed this season for sure.“
‘STRACHAN IS INSIGHTFUL AND HIS KNOWLEDGE OF THE GAME IS UNBELIEVABLE‘
During Connie’s time working with Celtic, the BBC journalist has worked alongside some quality pundits such as former Celtic manager Gordon Strachan, also quite recently Alan Stubbs as well as two ex Celtic centre halves Darren O’Dea and Gary Caldwell, obviously us supporters watch the pre-match show on the TV but the BT Sports contributor gave us a detailed insight of what it is really like to work alongside these guys: “Working with Gordon is really insightful, his knowledge of the game is unbelievable. I’ve been covering football for about 14 years snd going since I was 11 but manager and player see the game in a different way which I love hearing about. I’m always trying to learn and working with different pundits each week helps with that. Gordon and Alan are also a good laugh, I think that helps when you’re working with people, to build up a bit of a rapport.“
‘THE FANS WILL EXPECT A MANAGER WITH A PROVEN TRACK RECORD’
We wanted to hear Connie’s thoughts on who she thinks would be the perfect candidate to replace Neil Lennon who resigned in February and what type of coach Celtic need to drive them onto reclaim the title again next season and what it would take for the fans to really get excited about the next gaffer to take on the role. Connie said, “I don’t think it’s up to me to speculate who’ll replace Neil, but I know that the new manager has to quickly learn what it means to manage at a club with this level of expectation. Connie also went onto add that, “I don’t think the expectation is as high anywhere else than in Glasgow and I think if you’re not in this world it’s hard for people to get it. I think the fans will expect the new manager to have a proven track record of success and be in a mould similar to Brendan Rodgers, but I guess it also depends on finance and who’s actually available.“
‘I TRIED TO GET A TICKET BUT ENDED UP HAVING TO LISTEN TO IT ON RADIO CLYDE’
We ended the interview by asking Connie who has been a lifelong Celtic supporter what her all time favourite memory of growing up and watching Celtic as a fan is and without any hesitance Connie replied, “My favourite Celtic moment was the St Johnstone game when Celtic won the league in 1997-98. I had tried to get a ticket but failed and ended up having to listen to commentary on Radio Clyde”
It was an absolute pleasure to interview Connie McLaughlin who is a fantastic journalist and presenter. We look forward to tuning in before kick-off and hear Connie discussing the games with other pundits and we hope you gained a better understanding and insight on what it is really like to be in at Paradise during these crazy times. Once again thanks to Connie for taking her time out to do the interview.
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